Eighty-seven percent of San Francisco's visitors include Fisherman's Wharf on their itinerary. With good reason. Waterfront marketplaces include The Anchorage, The Cannery, Ghirardelli Square and PIER 39. The Wharf's working hub, "Fish Alley," sells thousands of tons of sole, shrimp, salmon, sea bass, squid and other deep sea delicacies annually. During the crab season (mid-November through June) devotees line up for the best of the catch. For an impromptu picnic, order some cracked crab and pick up a loaf of sourdough French bread from a nearby bakery.

A fleet of historic ships berths at Hyde Street Pier, a component of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, which also includes the Maritime Museum. The USS Pampanito, a WWII fleet submarine, may be boarded at Pier 45.

On The City's northern waterfront beyond Hyde Street Pier and the lagoon of Aquatic Park (this is a nice side trip from Fisherman's Wharf), the nearly four-mile-long Golden Gate Promenade winds past bocce ball courts through Fort Mason and Marina Green to Crissy Field, a shoreline retreat adjoining the Presidio, terminating at Fort Point. Ahead lies the world's most incredible piece of outdoor sculpture, the majestic Art Deco-style Golden Gate Bridge. Completed in 1937 the bridge links San Francisco to Marin County. For a real aerobic workout, climb the steps near Fort Point that lead up to the bridge and make "the walk of all walks."

The downtown waterfront district has been transformed with the removal of the Embarcadero Freeway. Promenades and tidal stairs descending right to the water's edge offer easy access. Cast off from King Street to explore the latest evidence of The City's waterfront renaissance. In the balmy South Beach district where a new neighborhood has risen, palm trees evoke southern inclinations. Sunny cafes with outdoor patios are plentiful. Skirting this area, Herb Caen Way along the southern Embarcadero is punctuated with historic plaques and pylons recalling events and people of the past. The SS Jeremiah O'Brien, the Liberty Ship which made an historic Atlantic crossing in the spring of 1994 to commemorate D-Day, docks at Pier 32. From here head north towards the Ferry Building, passing directly beneath the approach to the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Nearby the Embarcadero Center's architecturally dramatic eight-block complex shelters 19 outdoor sculptures.

For many visitors, Ocean Beach on the westernmost edge of The City is the first stop on the itinerary. The Pacific Ocean is always an exhilarating sight, especially for first-timers. The expansive windows of the Cliff House, erected in 1909, are a popular lookout. Just offshore are the abrupt outlines of Seal Rocks. They are usually inhabited by shore birds and a colony of stellar sea lions. Bring binoculars for a close-up. On a clear day the Farallon Islands some 30 miles distant are also visible. Swimming, it should be noted, is not allowed here. There are two other sandy pockets on The City's northern edge. China Beach at 28th Avenue and Sea Cliff, is one of the few swimming beaches in The City. Lifeguards on duty during the summer watch this cove. At Baker Beach, off 25th Avenue, swimming is dangerous, but the views of the Golden Gate are alluring for hikers, fishermen and picnickers.

The hilarious new hit musical about life and love in San Francisco! "An irresistible new tale of The City!" F-Sa 8pm. Su 2pm. $46 center seating, $39 side seating, $15 student rush tickets. Group rates available. Minimum number in a group eight.

There is something for everyone at PIER 39, one of San Francisco's premier Bay attractions: a festival marketplace with more than 110 stores, 14 Bay view restaurants and a variety of fun-filled attractions for all ages, including the world-renowned sea lions, street performers and live daily entertainment.

The hilarious interactive comedy where the audience plays the roles of guests at the world's funniest wedding! Includes Italian dinner, champagne, wedding cake and dancing. Th-Sa 7pm. Admission VIP $114.50 (plus tax), general admission $88.50 (plus tax). Group rates available. Minimum number in a group 10.

The exclusive operator to Alcatraz Island, one of San Francisco's top visitor attraction, operated by the National Park Service. Cruises start at 9am and continue throughout the day. Ten to 14 daily departures depending on the time of year. Evening tours offered Th-M. All Alcatraz tours depart from Pier 33. Guaranteed lowest prices to Alcatraz Island. For complete tour information, including departure schedules and pricing, visit the Web site. Purchase and print tickets online - save time and avoid lines. Alcatraz Cruises - an Inescapable Experience.

Set in the heart of Fisherman's Wharf, the new, two-story flagship building allows visitors to observe the 5,000 square-foot bakery in action. Learn the story of sourdough French bread, how it is made and why it cannot be baked anywhere else on earth. Complimentary trip to tasting room included with Museum & Bakery Tour.

A collection of odd/unusual exhibits, interactive and video displays in 11 galleries - a landmark at Fisherman's Wharf for 40 years and entertaining for all ages. Open daily. General admission $14.99 (ages 13 and older), $8.99 children (ages 5-12), $12.50 seniors and students (with I.D.) Prices subject to change without notice.

This authentic, World War II submarine - with near perfect restoration - offers visitors an unforgettable experience. Individuals and groups will feel history unfold, seeing how the crew of 80 men lived for weeks on end in amazingly tight quarters. Many original artifacts are on display. Exclusive iPod audio tour features Pampanito crewmen telling real-life war stories. The gift store is chock full of gifts, books, video/DVDs and memorabilia. National Historic Landmark. Summer hours: Th-Tu 9am-8pm, W 9am-6pm; Winter hours: M-Th 9am-6pm, F-Su 9am-8pm. Admission $9 adults; discounts for children, seniors and active duty military

Fully restored and operational, the Jeremiah O'Brien, America's last unaltered Liberty ship in operating condition, is one of a great fleet that operated during World War II. Open daily 9am-4pm. Closed Jan 1, Thanksgiving and the day after Dec. 24, 25 & 31. Admission $8; $5 seniors; $4 under age 14; children under 6 free. Engine is running the third weekend of every month except May, Oct. and Dec. Check our website for current cruise information.